Welcome, International Students!

U.S. student visas are granted through U.S. Consular Services upon issuance of an I-20 document by the University to which a student from outside the U.S. is admitted. For an I-20 to be issued, the student must submit the following items:

• Andrews University academic acceptance into a program of study
• Current bank documentation (no older than two months)
• Sponsorship form: Please request this form only if someone other than family is paying your school fees (e.g., employer, church, friend, etc.) and be sure to include sponsor bank statements. 
• Copy of current passport
• Current mailing address (No P.O. Box addresses please) and telephone number
• Estimated Budget Sheet:  Please contact our office at isfs@andrews.edu.
• $100 non-refundable New International Student fee
• $9,100 advance payment (includes $100 New International Student fee (non-refundable), $3,000 international deposit (refundable), and $6,000 advance payment toward first semester's payment (refundable)
• Citizens of Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico are exempt from paying the international deposit and advance payment of $6,000. They must, however, pay the New International Student fee of $100.
• MDiv students need to pay for a full semester in advance. Please contact isfs@andrews.edu for more info.
• International payer form: Please submit this form as it will indicate to us where to return your funds.

Make sure to add your name and ID number clearly on any transactions. Include specific dollar amounts on how the funds should be allocated (i.e., international deposit, residence hall deposit). Payment can be made by wire transfer using Flywire, the University's approved service for sending and receiving wire transfers.

If you have questions regarding the budget sheet, please contact the International Financial Specialist at +1 269-471-6380 or email isfs@andrews.edu.

Ideally, students should plan to complete all of these I-20 requirements at least two months before a semester begins to allow time for review and approval, and to allow time for scheduling of a visa interview once you've received your I-20.

For specific questions regarding the I-20, contact the Office of International Student Services & Programs at +1 269-471-6395 or email iss@andrews.edu. 

After admission to an Andrews University program and once we receive the required documents and $3,100 deposit (see previous section), the Office of International Student Services & Programs will mail your I-20 Form with an email notification including the tracking number. When you receive this I-20 document, please schedule an appointment at the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate office. Please apply for an F1 student visa. You may only study at Andrews University with an F1 or a J1 visa.

Prepare for your F1 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate nearest to you:

1. Read your I-20 and make sure the information on Items 1, 4 and 5 are correct.
2. Sign your I-20 on Item 11 (also sign for dependents accompanying you)
3. Pay the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee online. Print and carry a copy of this receipt.
4. Take all these documents to your visa interview:

• Valid passport (for at least 12 months)
• I-20 (make sure the I-20 is returned to you)
• Receipt of payment of SEVIS I-901 fee
• Financial and any other documentation as proof of your financial ability to support yourself during your stay here in the U.S. and intent to return to your home country upon the completion of your studies.

Each time you enter the United States, by air or by border crossing, you must present your passport with student visa and your I-20. Students from Canada, Bahamas and Bermuda are exempt from student visa. Carry copies of the documents presented to Andrews University to gain your I-20 as evidence of financial support as they can be requested at port of entry. Please request all documents inspected by customs officers to be returned as they are your property and you are required to show them at each port of entry.  

You will be sent the I-94 document after you arrive in the United States. Please bring it along with your passport to the International  Student  Services office as soon as you arrive. Canadians may still receive it in paper.

Feel free to email International Student Services at iss@andrews.edu or call +1 269-471-6395 for help.

Review directions on getting to campus with links to nearby airports, bus and train stations, and Office of Transportation services.

We are happy to pick you up if you arrive at the South Bend International Airport by plane, train or bus, as long as you email your flight/train/bus number and arrival time, along with the number of persons arriving, at least three days in advance. Please complete this form should you need to be picked up: Airport Pickup Form.

If you arrive through Chicago's O'Hare or Midway airports, purchase bus tickets here. This method is the most direct way to get to the South Bend International Airport stop, which is just 30 minutes by road from Andrews University.